Naslov
Osjećaj zdravlja s obzirom na medicinske dijagnoze i socijalne karakteristike u uzorku populacije
(The feeling of health in relation to medical diagnoses and social characteristics in a random population sample)

Sažetak
SUMMARY Data on the feeling of health obtained by interview from a random sample of the population from six communities of the Re- public of Croatia (1575 men and 1690 women aged 38-57 years) were analysed with respect to some social characteristics and me¬dical diagnoses. A total of 64.2 per cent of men and 52.0 per cent of women answered that they were i, n good health. Among women 25.2 per cent reported to be ili, while among men the percentage was 20.3. The feeling of good health decreased with age, particularly between the years 40 and 45. After that the curve remained stagnant. Differences were also observed with respect to occupation: those with the highest education tended to feel at their best, while unskilled workers and farmers felt worst. The feeling of good health correlated well with the mean body height in isubjeets of both sexes, and in men also with the mean body weight and relative body weight. The mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures did not differ with regard to the feeling of good/poor health. The number of chronic diseases revealed at medical cheok-ups was significantly higher in the subjects who felt ili. In those, however, who felt healthy, three diseases on the average per subject were diagnosed. In the subjects who claimed to have difficulties in their work place or a housing or family problem, the percentage of »feeling ili« answers was significantly higher. It is concluded that the general feeling of good/poor health can to a certain extent be an indication of the existence of chronic diseases. However, to reveal these disease and to prevent them it is necessary to actively plan medical check-ups. The feeling of health can also be affected by various soeial factors.